Deputies: Shoplifting suspect attacks deputy, knocks him unconscious

A deputy was knocked unconscious after being attacked by a shoplifting suspect, according to Spartanburg County deputies.

Marcus Durran Osbey is charged with strong-armed robbery and resisting arrest with injury.

Deputies said they were called to the Walmart in Boiling Springs at noon in reference to shoplifting.

They said Osbey was trying to steal bleach and dish soap.

According to deputies, a deputy tried to take Osbey into custody when he attacked the deputy.

Public Information Officer Lt. Tony Ivey said, "He was trying to put the handcuffs on him and they began to wrestle around, and during the wrestling, the deputy lost his footing and they fell, and during the course of the fell, the deputy struck his head."

The deputy temporarily lost consciousness, Ivey said.

"Folks did come to the aid of the police officer, Ivy said. “I think once they saw that the best thing was to let that suspect go ahead and get away -- if he was going to assault a uniformed officer, no telling what he would've done to someone who was just a civilian."

Osbey fled the scene in a burgundy Chevrolet Impala, Ivey said.

Ivey said officers spotted the suspect vehicle near 4th Street in the Valley Falls community and saw Osbey drive into a driveway and jump out of the car.

After a brief foot chase, Osbey was taken into custody, Ivey said.

The injured deputy was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a head injury and was to be kept there overnight for observation, according to Ivey.

Osbey is charged with strong arm robbery, resisting arrest with assault, assault and third-degree battery and two Inman municipal court bench warrants; possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under suspension.

A release from the Sheriff’s Office said: “The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Loss Prevention Officers and the staff of the Walmart for their heroic actions in coming to the aid of Deputy Pridgeon and for their prompt relay of the suspect’s vehicle information. Their actions helped law enforcement to quickly locate and apprehend the suspect in this crime and help ensure that Deputy Pridgeon received medical attention in a timely manner.”